Japan has fewer workers because its population is getting smaller. To help with this problem, companies are using artificial intelligence (AI). For example, Osaka Ohsho uses AI cameras to check dumplings, and Nihon Nohyaku has an app that helps farmers with crops. Even though AI helps, it can't fully replace human workers yet.
Japan's worker shortage is expected to get worse. By 2040, the country might need 11 million more workers. The main reasons are that people are having fewer babies and many people are getting older. The government is trying different ideas, like using AI, to solve this problem, but AI is just a tool to help, not a full solution.
AI is also being used in schools. A company called Equmenopolis made an AI tool for students to practice English with an avatar. This tool helps, but it can't replace real teachers. The government is also using AI for tasks like writing meeting notes to save time. Japan is using AI to help with its worker shortage, but still needs human workers.
Original news source: Can AI help solve Japanβs labour shortages? (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: In pairs, students will read the article and then summarize the main points in their own words. They can take turns sharing their summaries with the class.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: In small groups, students will discuss and share their opinions on the use of AI in Japan to solve the worker shortage problem. They can ask each other questions and take notes on their group members' responses. Afterwards, they can present their findings to the class.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will take turns choosing a vocabulary word from the article and drawing a picture to represent it. Their group members will then try to guess the word based on the drawing. This activity can help reinforce vocabulary and comprehension.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Students will individually think about and jot down their ideas on the following question: "In what other ways do you think AI could be used to help with Japan's worker shortage problem?" After a few minutes, they will pair up with a classmate and share their ideas. Finally, they can share some of their partner's ideas with the whole class.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: In small groups, students will take turns making predictions about the future of AI in Japan and its impact on the worker shortage problem. They can discuss the potential benefits and challenges, and support their predictions with reasons. Each group can present their predictions to the class.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
Companies in Japan are using artificial intelligence to help with the shortage of workers caused by a shrinking population.
Japan is facing a problem of not having enough workers because its population is getting smaller.
Japan might need 11 million more workers by 2040.
Japan's worker shortage is expected to get worse because people are having fewer babies and many people are getting older.
Artificial intelligence is being used in schools to help students practice English with an avatar and to assist with tasks like writing meeting notes.
No, AI cannot completely replace human workers yet. It is just a tool to help, not a full solution.
The government is using AI for tasks such as writing meeting notes to save time.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Japan has fewer workers because its is smaller. To help with this problem, companies are using artificial intelligence (AI). For example, Osaka Ohsho uses AI cameras to check , and Nihon Nohyaku has an app that helps farmers with crops. Even though AI helps, it can't fully replace human workers yet. Japan's worker is expected to get worse. By 2040, the country might need 11 million more workers. The main reasons are that people are fewer and many people are getting older. The government is different ideas, like using AI, to solve this problem, but AI is just a tool to , not a full solution. AI is also being used in schools. A company called Equmenopolis an AI tool for students to practice with an avatar. This helps, but it can't replace real teachers. The government is also using AI for tasks like writing meeting notes to save time. Japan is using AI to help with its worker shortage, but still human workers.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
2. How would you feel if a robot took your job?
3. Do you think AI can completely replace human workers in the future? Why or why not?
4. What are some reasons why Japan has a worker shortage?
5. How do you think AI can help solve the worker shortage problem in Japan?
6. Do you like the idea of using AI in schools? Why or why not?
7. What are some ways AI can be used in education?
8. How do you think AI can help save time in the workplace?
9. Do you think AI tools can replace real teachers? Why or why not?
10. How do you think AI can benefit society?
11. What are some other ways AI can be used to help with different problems?
12. Why do you think Japan still needs human workers even with the use of AI?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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